Archive for the 'Third Day' Tag Under 'Soundcheck' Category

There was truly a little bit of everything for Christian music enthusiasts who came out Friday night for the Rock and Worship Roadshow at Honda Center.

From the hard-hitting metal of Skillet (above) and melodic Southern rock of Third Day, the event’s top-billed stars, to newer sounds like the catchy, Michael Jackson-esque dance-pop of Royal Tailor and U2-mining anthems of the Neverclaim, the eclectic mix of short sets changed swiftly at an event where believers were encouraged to help sponsor children via Compassion International. (That cause was introduced by comedian Tom Wolf, who tempered his humor with heartfelt appeal.

The crowd was treated to nine different performances, most running a mere 15 minutes, with several young up-and-comers rightly impressing a capacity crowd, the majority of which paid $20 and under to attend.

Royal Tailor proved to be one of the most pleasing acts, with young singer Tauren Wells’ soaring tenor and cool moves showcased on the up-tempo “Making Me New” as well as the beautiful R&B ballad “Remain.” He also tapped into more current urban dynamics with the powerful rock-rap showcase “Got That Fire,” the leadoff track from the group's excellent self-titled sophomore album.

Soaring temperatures didn't keep a capacity crowd away from Irvine's Verizon Wireless Amphitheater on Saturday, where people started pouring in by early afternoon to take in a top-tier lineup of Christian music artists performing at Fishfest 2013.

Since proceeds from The Fish/95.9 FM's festival benefit Compassion International, a global sponsorship program aimed at helping children escape poverty, there were plenty of moving firsthand testimonials to accompany performances throughout the long program.

Making its first appearance at the gathering, Georgian group Casting Crowns performed an hour of its praise-and-worship soft-rock. Although their songs don't challenge musically or lyrically the way Christian artists like Jars of Clay and Switchfoot do, connecting with more wide-ranging explorations of spirituality, Casting Crowns' accessible and melodic songs surely resonated with the faithful this night.

Lead singer Mark Hall led the seven-member ensemble through a dozen songs that offer a straightforward look at the troupe's beliefs. The band took one slight sonic detour, performing an inspired instrumental bluegrass nugget, complete with strong fiddle and mandolin dynamics, before the group segued into the uplifting "Praise You with a Dance," from its 2003 self-titled debut.

Actually, it seems highly likely that Kid 'n' Crow not only will duet on that lonesome ditty when they appear together July 30 at Verizon Wireless Amphitheater in Irvine, they're also apt to play "Collide," their latest collaboration, seeing as it lands smack in the middle of Kid Rock's latest album, November's Born Free.

Tickets, ranging from $20 for lawn access to $75.50 for orchestra seats, go on sale Saturday, April 16, at 10 a.m. Leroy Powell & the Messengers will open.

Meanwhile, a month earlier at Verizon brings Fishfest 2011, the 10th anniversary of The Fish 95.9 FM's annual cavalcade of contemporary Christian music stars, slated for June 25. MercyMe and Third Day headline, and the roster also features the David Crowder Band, the OC Supertones, Tenth Avenue North, Jana Alayra and more. Those tickets, $10-$99.59, are also on sale Saturday at 10 a.m. at the box office, or at noon via all other Ticketmaster/Live Nation means.

And one more new on-sale this week: Mexican comedian Polo Polo, June 18 at Gibson Amphitheatre, $34.75-$89.75, on sale Friday at 1 p.m.